Shang Juncheng of China outlasted 27th seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in men’s singles first round action at the U.S. Open on Monday.

The victory was special for Shang, as it marked both his first win in the final Grand Slam of the season and avenged a loss to Bublik at Indian Wells in March.

Shang won 72 percent of the points on his first serve, trailing his opponent’s 83 percent, but Bublik committed 10 double faults. The 27-year-old Kazakh led in both aces (22) and winners (54), but Shang’s strong return game and timely ability to convert six break points helped him overcome a 2-1 deficit and eventually claim the match.

Four of Shang’s six break point conversions came in the fourth and fifth sets, including two straight that gave him a 5-0 lead in the fourth set, and another two in a row that moved him ahead 4-3.

Shang will face Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the second round. The 31-year-old beat Jan Choinski of Great Britain 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6(5)-7, 6-3 in a match that lasted more than four and a half hours.

Shang’s compatriot Bu Yunchaokete lost to eighth-seeded Casper Rudd of Norway 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 on Monday.

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